Tensioned projection screen apparatus

ABSTRACT

A projection screen apparatus is disclosed for displaying an image projected by a projector. The projection screen apparatus includes a frame and a screen. The frame includes a plurality of frame members and corner members.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/897,484, filed Oct. 4, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,358,464, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/115,351, filed May5, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,808,702, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/526,951, filed Sep. 26, 2006, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,369,310, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/930,255, filed Aug. 31, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,113,332, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/327,421, filed Dec. 20, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,047, thedisclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

The present invention relates to projection screens. More particularly,the present invention relates to tensioned projection screens.

According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a projection screen apparatus for use with a projector isprovided that is configured to project an image to be watched by aviewer. The projection screen apparatus includes a projection screenhaving a viewing surface configured to display the image to the viewer.The projection screen includes a plurality of truncated corners. Theprojection screen apparatus further includes a frame supporting theprojection screen and including a plurality of frame members. Theprojection screen apparatus further includes a coupler coupling theprojection screen to the frame.

According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a projection screen apparatus for use with a projector isprovided that is configured to project an image to be watched by aviewer. The projection screen apparatus includes a projection screenhaving a viewing surface configured to display the image to the viewer.The projection screen includes a first perimeter edge, a secondperimeter edge perpendicular to the first perimeter edge, and a cornerperimeter edge angled between the first and second perimeter edges. Theprojection screen apparatus further includes a frame supporting theprojection screen and including a plurality of frame members. Theprojection screen apparatus further includes a coupler coupling theprojection screen to the frame.

According to yet another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a projection screen apparatus for use with aprojector is provided that is configured to project an image to bewatched by a viewer. The projection screen apparatus includes aprojection screen having a viewing surface configured to display theimage to the viewer. The projection screen defines a plurality of edgesand has a length and a width. First and second edges of the projectionscreen have lengths less than the length of the projection screen. Thirdand fourth edges of the projection screen have lengths less than thewidth of the projection screen. The projection screen apparatus furtherincludes a frame supporting the projection screen and including aplurality of frame members. The projection screen apparatus furtherincludes a coupler coupling the projection screen to the frame.

Additional features of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of an illustrated embodiment exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a room showing a projector projection animage on a projection screen apparatus according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of four corners of the projection screenapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a frame of the projectionscreen apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another exploded perspective view of the frame of theprojection screen apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a projection screen and fourcouplers configures to couple the screen to the frame;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the projection screenapparatus showing two extended frame members coupled to a corner memberand the projection screen aligned to be coupled to the frame and cornermembers by two screen coupler;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1 showingthe coupler in a first location relative to the frame member;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 1 showingthe coupler in a second location relative to the frame member;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the coupler being moved to athird position when a user pushes on the coupler with a tool (inphantom); and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the frame member and couplershowing the coupler positioned within a channel of the frame member forshipping.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

According to the present disclosure, a projection screen apparatus 10 isprovided to display images projected by a projector 12. Typically,projection screen apparatus 10 is mounted to a wall 14 of a structure,such as an entertainment room of a residence or conference room of abusiness. As shown in FIG. 1, projector 12 is positioned on the audienceside of projection screen apparatus 10 to reflect back the imagesprojected by projector 12 to an audience. According to alternativeinstallations, projector 12 is positioned for a rear projectionapplication on the back side of projection screen apparatus 10 so thatimages projected by projector 12 are displayed through projection screenapparatus 10 to the audience. In some installations, speakers (notshown) are positioned behind the projection screen apparatus 10 so thatthe sound is transmitted through projection screen apparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, projection screen apparatus 10 includes a perimeterframe 16 and a projection screen 18 tensioned on frame 16. As shown inFIG. 5, projection screen apparatus 10 further includes a plurality ofcouplers 20 that couple projection screen 18 to frame 16 as shown inFIG. 7. According to the preferred embodiment, each coupler 20 can bepositioned at one of a number of locations on frame 16. Depending on thelocation at which coupler 20 is positioned on frame 16, the level oftension in screen 18 is greater or lesser.

Frame 16 includes four corner members 22 and four extended frame members24 extending between corner members 22 and forming a junction 88, asshown in FIG. 6. Junction 88 includes a pair of tubular channels 26, 28and a pair of posts 30, 32. Each frame member 24 is made of extrudedaluminum and includes the pair of channels 26, 28. The lengths of framemembers 24 are dependent upon the size of screen 18.

Each corner member 22 is made of ABS plastic and includes the pair ofposts 30, 32 sized to fit within respective channels 26, 28 ofrespective channels 26, 28 of respective frame members 24. Duringassembly, posts 30, 32 are slid into respective channels 26, 28 of eachrespective frame member 24 to define a rectangular perimeter. Additionaldisclosure of a suitable projection screen apparatus is provided in U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/840,583, entitled “TensionedProjection Screen,” filed Aug. 28, 2006, to Steven E. Enochs, thedisclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Each frame member 24 further includes a fastener-receiving channel 34sized to receive a fastener 36, such as a screw. Each corner member 22includes a pair of fastener-receiving apertures 38 also sized to receivefastener 36. After posts 30, 32 are positioned in channels 26, 28,fastener 36 are inserted into apertures 38 and screwed into channels 34to securely couple corner members 22 to respective frame members 24.

Depending upon the length of frame members 24, an aluminum brace 40 isprovided that extends between opposite frame members 24. Each framemember 24 includes an open channel 42 and opposite ends of brace 40 arepositioned in channels 42. Preferably, brace 40 is under slightcompression. According to alternative embodiments, fasteners areprovided to secure brace 40 on frame members 24.

Before or after frame 16 is assembled, couplers 20 are coupled toprojection screen 18. Preferably before shipment of projection screenapparatus 10, edges 44 of screen 18 are folded over and sewn as shown inFIG. 5 to define permanent loops 46 in screen 18.

Screen 18 may be made of a number of materials suitable for projectionscreen applications. Preferably, screen 18 has a reflectivity gain fromabout 0.4 to about 2.5. Front projections screens are preferably whiteor light gray in appearance. Rear projection screens are preferablylight gray in color and translucent to permit the projected image totransmit through the screen and be displayed to the audience. Some ofthe screens are acoustically transparent, like speaker cover fabric, topermit sound to be transmitted through the screen.

According to one embodiment, the screen includes a woven fiberglassbacking with a vinyl reflective surface laminated to the fiberglass(gain of approximately 1.0). According to one embodiment, microscopicglass beads are provided on the viewing surface (gain from about 0.5 toabout 2.5 depending on the viewing angle). According to anotherembodiment, the screen is made of a white (gain of about 1.0 or fromabout 0.4 to about 2.2 depending on the viewing angle) or light gray(gain of about 0.6 to 0.9 depending on the viewing angle) vinyl materialwithout a backing Other suitable projection screens known to those ofordinary skill in the art may also be provided. Preferably the screen issubstantially blank so that it is substantially free of printing orother markings that noticeably detract from the images projected on thescreen. According to one embodiment, the substantially blank screen isprovided with black borders that frame the screen for “wide screen” orother projection formats.

Couplers 20 are made of extruded, rigid PVC and include a first end 48having an interactive member 50 and a second end 52 having an openchannel 54 sized to receive loops 46 of screen 18. Preferably at thesite of installation, each loop 46 is positioned to extend down an openchannel 54 of a respective coupler 20. A retention rod 56 that isslightly longer than coupler 20 is slid through an open end of each loop46. This prevents the withdrawal of the respective loop 46 from therespective screen coupler 20 to couple each screen coupler 20 to an edge44 of screen 18. Preferably, retention rods 56 are hollow and made ofHDPE plastic. Because loops 46 are permanent, the position of couplers20 relative to screen 18 is fixed by the manufacturer and not dependentupon the skill of the installer.

After screen couplers 20 are coupled to screen 18, they are coupled toframe 16 to tension screen 18 on frame 16. Each interactive member 50 ofcouplers 20 includes a rib 58 that defines an undercut groove 60 with abody 62 of coupler 20. Each frame member 24 includes three spaced-apartinteractive members 64, 66, 68 including ribs 70, 72, 74 that defineundercut grooves 76, 78, 80. Interactive member 50 of screen coupler 20mates with one of interactive members 64, 66, 68 to couple coupler 20 toframe member 24. Each corner member 22 includes two sets ofcorresponding interactive members 82, 84, 86 that align with respectiveinteractive members 64, 66, 68 of adjacent frame members 24 to definecontinuous interactive members and grooves that extend across junctions88 defined between respective corner and frame members 22, 24.

Each respective coupler 20, loop 46, and retention rod 56 is longer thanthe distance between each exposed end of frame member 24 so that eachcoupler 20, loop 46, and rod 56 extends over the respective junction 88between corners 22 and frame members 24 when couplers 20 are coupled toframe 16. Thus, continuous coupling is provided along the entire lengthof frame members 24 and extends over to corners 22.

After screen 18 is coupled to frame 16, frame 16 is mounted to wall 14.As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 8, projection screen apparatus 10 includes apair of wall couplers 90 that are coupled to wall 14 and frame 16 tosupport perimeter frame 16 on wall 14. Wall coupler 90 is made ofextruded aluminum and includes a first flange 92 including a pluralityof fastener-receiving apertures 94 and a second flange 96.

During installation, one or more wall couplers 90 are coupled to wall 14with second flange 96 extending upwardly. Preferably, wall couplers 90are positioned at the same level so that perimeter frame 16 will belevel and then fasteners 95, such as screws, are inserted throughapertures 94 into wall 14. Second flange 96 and a flange 98 of framemembers 24 defines channel 40 each have a ramped edge that facilitatesinsertion of flange 98 over second flange 96. As flange 98 of framemember 24 slides down flange 96 of wall coupler 90, frame 16 is drawncloser to wall 14. If necessary to center frame 16, frame 16 can be slidright or left on wall couplers 90 to a centered position without havingto remove frame 16 from wall 14. To remove frame 16 for adjustment ofthe tension in screen 18 or otherwise, frame 16 is raised up and removedfrom wall 14.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate screen 18 coupled to frame 16. Preferably,frame member 24 has a width 100 that is 4 inches wide. These figures andthe others are proportional. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art canderive dimensions for the other components from the figures based on theknown width 100 of frame 24. According to alternative embodiments otherwidths are provided, such as 2, 3, or 5 inches.

When coupled to frame 16, perimeter portions 110 of screen 18 overlaprespective walls 112 of frame members 24 and corresponding walls 114 ofcorner members 22. A substantially flat display portion 116 of screen 18is surrounded by perimeter portions 110 and provides a display surface118 on one side of display portion 116 on which images projected onscreen 18 by projector 12 (either front or rear projection) are viewedby the audience seated in front of projection screen apparatus 10.Display surface 118 defines a plane 120 that has a first audience side122 and an opposite second side 124. As shown in FIG. 8, screen coupler20 is positioned on audience side 122 of plane 120 and wall coupler 90is positioned on opposite side 124.

Wall 112 includes a first corner 126 on its inner edge that causesscreen 18 to turn or bend and divides screen 18 into perimeter anddisplay portions 110, 116 as shown in FIG. 8. Wall 112 also includes asecond bend 128 that turns and divides perimeter portion 110 of screen18 into first and second segments 130, 132. Corner 126 and bend 128assist in suppressing puckering or creasing of screen caused by coupler20 so that most, if not all, puckering or creasing is removed fromscreen 18 before reaching display portion 116 so that little or nodistortion is caused in display surface 118.

Second segment 132 of perimeter portion 110 defines a plane 134 having afirst side 136 and a second side 138. When screen 18 is coupled to frame16, interactive member 50 of coupler 20 is positioned on first side 136along with interactive members 64, 66, 68 of frame member 24 andinteractive members 82, 84, 86 of corner members 22.

As shown in FIG. 8, frame 16 includes a front side 140 facing theaudience and an opposite back side 142. Front side 140 is preferablypainted or otherwise colored black and includes a face 144, an outerwall 146, and an inner side wall 148. When screen 18 is coupled to frame16, display portion 116 of screen 18 defines an angle 150 of 91° tosuppress images from “washing” onto face 144. Furthermore, face 144 andinner side wall 148 have a relatively large radius of 0.25 inchestherebetween that further suppresses washing.

In a typical installation, frame 16 is first assembled as describedabove. Screen 18 and screen couplers 20 are coupled together asdescribed above either before or after frame 16 is assembled. Screen 18is then coupled to frame 16 with screen couplers 20. A tool 152, such asa plastic putty knife, is provided to assist in coupling couplers 20 toframe 16. Each coupler 20 includes a rib 154 positioned opposite rib 58that is configured to receive a front edge 156 of tool 152.

Initially, screen coupler 20 is positioned adjacent to wall 112 of therespective frame member 24. By pressing on rib 154 with tool 152, rib 58is forced along wall 112 until it snaps into one of grooves 76, 78, 80.When one end of rib 58 is positioned in groove 76, tool 152 is slidalong the length of coupler 20 forcing the entire length of rib 58 intogroove 76. Preferably, screen 18 is sized so that when ribs 58 ofcouplers 20 are positioned in first grooves 76, screen 18 is properlytensioned so that display portion 116 of screen 18 is properly tensionedand substantially flat. Depending on factors, such as manufacturingtolerances, temperature, or humidity, one or more of ribs 58 of couplers20 may need to be moved further outward to second or third grooves 78,80 to obtain the proper tension.

After a period time passes from the initial installation, screen 18 maystretch and develop a sag that noticeably distorts the quality of theimages displayed on screen 18. To remove this sag, one or more couplers20 is moved further out to the next respective groove 78, 80 until thesag in screen 18 is removed. Because couplers 20 an inaccessible fromthe front of projection screen apparatus 10, it must first be removedfrom wall 14 before the adjustment can be made.

As shown in FIG. 10, channel 26 is sized to receive coupler 26 and rod56. Before shipping, coupler 26 and rod 56 are placed in channel 26.This help avoids damage to coupler 26 and rod 56 during shipping andalso reduces the shipping space required.

Preferably, instructions for the assembly, installation, and/or use ofprojection screen apparatus 10 are provided with projection screenapparatus 10 or otherwise communicated to permit a person or machine toassemble, install and/or use projection screen apparatus 10. Suchinstructions may include a description of any or all portions ofprojection screen apparatus 10 and/or any or all of the above-describedassembly, installation, and use of projection screen apparatus 10 orcomponents of projection screen apparatus 10. The instructions may beprovided on separate papers and/or on the packaging in which projectionscreen apparatus 10 is sold or shipped. These instructions may also beprovided over the Internet or other communication system. Furthermore,the instructions may be embodied as text, pictures, audio, video, or anyother medium or method of communicating instructions known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

Although the present invention has been described in detail withreference to preferred embodiments, variations and modifications existwithin the scope and spirit of the present invention as described anddefined in the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A projection screen apparatus for use witha projector configured to project an image to be watched by a viewer,the projection screen apparatus including: a projection screen having aviewing surface configured to display the image to the viewer, theprojection screen including a plurality of truncated corners; a framesupporting the projection screen and including a plurality of framemembers, each frame member including a back portion, an outer wall, aninner wall, and a front face positioned between the outer wall and theinner wall and configured to be viewable by the viewer; and a couplercoupling the projection screen to the frame, the coupler being coupledto the back portion of the frame member opposite the front face.
 2. Theprojection screen apparatus of claim 1, wherein the viewing surfacedefines a plane having an audience side and an opposite side, and amajority of the frame is positioned on the audience side of the plane.3. The projection screen apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frameincludes a plurality of corner members extending between the pluralityof frame members, and the corner members and the frame members cooperateto define a front face of the perimeter frame viewable by the viewer. 4.The projection screen apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality oftruncated corners overlap the frame.
 5. The projection screen apparatusof claim 1, wherein the coupler has a length substantially equal to alength of at least one frame member.
 6. The projection screen apparatusof claim 1, wherein the viewing surface has a reflectivity gain of atleast about 0.4.
 7. The projection screen apparatus of claim 1, whereinat least two of the frame members are perpendicular to each other.
 8. Aprojection screen apparatus for use with a projector configured toproject an image to be watched by a viewer, the projection screenapparatus including: a projection screen having a viewing surfaceconfigured to display the image to the viewer, the projection screenincluding a first perimeter edge, a second perimeter edge perpendicularto the first perimeter edge, and a corner perimeter edge angled betweenthe first and second perimeter edges; a frame supporting the projectionscreen and including a plurality of frame members, the frame including aplurality of corners, the corner perimeter edge overlapping at least oneof the corners of the frame; and a coupler coupling the projectionscreen to the frame.
 9. The projection screen apparatus of claim 8,wherein the corner perimeter edge is substantially straight and at anacute angle relative to the first and second perimeter edges.
 10. Theprojection screen apparatus of claim 8, wherein the coupler is elongatedand is positioned adjacent the first perimeter edge, and the couplerextends past the first perimeter edge of the projection screen.
 11. Theprojection screen apparatus of claim 8, wherein the projection screendefines a closed loop, and the coupler is positioned in the closed loop.12. The projection screen apparatus of claim 11, wherein an edge portionof the screen is folded over and fixed to the screen to define theclosed loop.
 13. The projection screen apparatus of claim 8, furtherincluding a retention rod coupled to the projection screen and receivedby the coupler.
 14. The projection screen apparatus of claim 13, whereinthe coupler is coupled to a frame member and extends in a directionsubstantially parallel to the frame member and to the first perimeteredge of the screen.
 15. The projection screen apparatus of claim 13,wherein the retention rod is positioned adjacent the first perimeteredge of the screen and extends past the first perimeter edge and thecoupler.
 16. A projection screen apparatus for use with a projectorconfigured to project an image to be watched by a viewer, the projectionscreen apparatus including: a projection screen having a viewing surfaceconfigured to display the image to the viewer, the projection screendefining a plurality of edges and having a length and a width, first andsecond edges of the projection screen having lengths less than thelength of the projection screen and third and fourth edges of theprojection screen having lengths less than the width of the projectionscreen; a perimeter frame supporting the projection screen and includinga plurality of frame members, the perimeter frame extending the lengthand the width of the projection screen; and a coupler coupling theprojection screen to the frame.
 17. The projection screen apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the plurality of edges include a plurality of corneredges, and a first corner edge extends from the first edge to the thirdedge and a second corner edge extends from the second edge to the thirdedge.
 18. The projection screen apparatus of claim 17, wherein theplurality of corner edges overlap the frame.
 19. The projection screenapparatus of claim 16, wherein the first and second edges aresubstantially parallel to each other, and the third and fourth edges aresubstantially parallel to each other and are substantially perpendicularto the first and second edges.
 20. The projection screen apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein each frame member has a first end and a second end anda longitudinal axis, and at least one frame member defines a tubularchannel extending parallel to the longitudinal axis between the firstand second ends.
 21. The projection screen apparatus of claim 20,wherein the at least one frame member further defines a track, and atleast a portion of the coupler is positioned in the track to couple theprojection screen to the frame.